Munish sood
Mandi
An FIR has been registered against eight government employees, including an Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), after two ballot papers went missing during the postal ballot writing process for the Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh.
The incident came to light in Kunihar area of Solan district, where postal ballot and ballot paper writing work has been underway since May 16. Following the disappearance of the ballot papers, the district administration acted swiftly and removed all eight employees from election duty pending investigation.
According to officials, the missing ballot papers were issued for the post of Pradhan from Ward No. 4 of Gram Panchayat Khanlag. The discrepancy was detected during the election process, prompting immediate administrative action.
Authorities have termed the matter serious, considering the sensitivity of the ongoing Panchayati Raj elections. Police have begun an investigation to determine whether the missing ballot papers were a result of negligence or intentional misconduct.
The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible and that every step is being taken to ensure transparency and fairness in the rural local body elections.
The incident has triggered concern within political and administrative circles, with officials closely monitoring the situation as the investigation progresses.
